Monday, October 28, 2013

Please be aware of fraudulent activity on Twitter claiming to donate money to Oxfam. Oxfam collects no such donations from Twitter accounts and/or blogs. I have notified them of this activity and they are currently investigating and will take legal action against atheists or anyone using their organization's name to commit fraud.

Please report tweets attempting to represent Oxfam by soliciting donations to: Oxfam, Twitter support and your local law officials.

Did you know, if you buy stuff from Amazon through my blog, all commission will go to #Oxfam and it costs you nothing extra. #BeHumankind
— RosaRubicondior (@RosaReerected) October 29, 2013

Here is the email I received:

Oct 25 (4 days ago)

Dear MichaelThank you for your email and for letting us know about your concerns regarding this Twitter user.I have forwarded your email to a team to investigate this further and decide if and what action needs to be taken.Thank you again for letting us know, please do let me know if you have any other questions and I will be happy to help.With best wishes(Name removed for privacy) Supporter Relations Oxfam GB Direct tel: +44 (0)300 200 1300 Switchboard tel: +44 (0)300 200 1292 E-mail: enquiries@oxfam.org.uk Website: http://www.oxfam.org.uk P.S. We would love to hear what you think. Whether it is good, bad or indifferent, knowing what our supporters think is vital to us if we are going to continue to improve how we communicate to the people who make our work possible. The survey will take less than 2 minutes to complete and any information that you provide will be anonymous and confidential. http://qnr.surveyshack.com/s/18jfGgAPhbD.Xe3

Screen shots. I had to black out the person's name at her request as well as other private information (gmail contacts etc)

Based on the wording (verb tense), it is understood that "Rosa Rubicondior" just made the donations. The words "have been received" is present prefect tense meaning it is an action that occurred in the present-past. For example, Let's say I just wrote a blog. The "just wrote" means that I wrote it, it happened, but it happened recently, so it tells us of an action that happened already (past) but was recent (in the present). So by Oxfam stating, "have been received" they are saying that the donations were sent already, but now in the present, not a year ago or long ago in the past.

What is hilarious is that one of "Rosa's" sock puppets "ellif_dwulf" sent the englishpage.com to Catholicgadfly. It was tweeted as proof that the donations were made long ago contradicting Catholicgadfly's tweet that "have been" is present-past. Well the link ellif sent actually proves Catholicgadfly corrrect! hahaSee this funny exchange:

Note: The emails posted above are valid and accurate to the date they were received. We were told that "Rosa Rubicondior" and her blog DID NOT donate at the time the emails were sent. Well now she has donated today and I applaud her for finally handing in the money to Oxfam which she so proudly claimed she had done a year ago. It took a year, but we forced her to donate it. The report Catholicgadfly filed obviously pushed "Rosa Rubicondior" to act quickly and donate the money before the dirt hit the fan, so to speak. It also forced Oxfamgb to actually tweet this confirmation showing the donations were made in the present-perfect tense.

This was my intention all along. I wanted all to see that we cannot trust people claiming to be a middle man in order to collect money and donate to any organization. The pressure from the tweets, this blog post and the atheists who were manipulated into pursuing this case forced "Rosa Rubicondior" to do the right thing and donate. I will keep this post up as a testament to the fraud "Rosa Rubicondior" is capable of committed just in case she tries to collect money from others in order to "donate." Let's not forget the AdSense scam now: see: http://www.sacerdotus.com/2013/11/atheist-scam-ii-ad-sense.html

Friday, October 25, 2013

Some of you may wonder when reading the title of this post why I am calling Puerto Ricans "The Forgotten Citizens." Well, there are many reasons why and I will try to go through them briefly in this writing.

Puerto Ricans are people who are either born on the island of Puerto Rico or come from parents who were born on the island. They are mostly a mix of European, Taino Indian, African and sometimes even Asian races. Puerto Ricans are hard to classify racially speaking. They come in all colors. One can meet a Puerto Rican as white as Casper the friendly ghost with blue, hazel or green eyes; or even a Puerto Rican as black as coal with features found among Africans born in Africa. Furthermore, there are Puerto Ricans that look Indian, Arab or Asian with their particular eyes, skin tones and bone structures. Because of this, there can be great confusion on the part of non-Puerto Ricans who mistake them for other races. This also creates a problem on census forms where Puerto Ricans have trouble identifying with a particular race.

Puerto Ricans are a culturally proud people who love to display their music, food, and flag publicly without shame. They are festive and it is rare to find an anti-social Puerto Rican. Unfortunately, the history between the United States of America and Puerto Ricans has not been so tidy. Puerto Ricans were often mistreated by non-Puerto Ricans in the mainland American. Some in the Catholic Church even gave Puerto Ricans a hard time by making them pay a quarter to sit at Mass, or were forced to attend Mass in a basement or lower church. Because of this, many Puerto Ricans left and are part of Evangelical or Pentecostal sects.

They were originally under Spanish rule until the United States took the island over and Spain eventually gave it away completely in order to alleviate its debts. It wasn't until 1917 when Puerto Ricans became official citizens in the United States of America. In 1948, Congress broaden the citizenship to include all Puerto Ricans born in the States or the Island of Puerto Rico. Over 75% of Puerto Ricans speak English fluently. This allows them great flexibility in American life. However, they are a forgotten people in America.

Democrats and others who identify themselves as "liberals" often push for "immigrant rights" and so on. They feel that immigrants who came here illegally should be allowed to stay. A form of amnesty is often proposed in Congress allowing them to stay with full rights and protection under US law. Naturally, many Americans oppose this because it is not fair for people to come illegally to the nation and then get a free pass to become a citizen. These critics are often the descendants of immigrants themselves who came from Europe but argue that their ancestors earned their citizenship and did not enter the nation illegally.

Those in favor of illegal immigrants try hard to pass laws to allow them to have licenses, better job opportunities, welfare assistance, earn college degrees and so forth. However, not much is said of Hispanics who are already citizens, namely Puerto Ricans. Only about 14% of Puerto Ricans earn a bachelor's degree. This is not good. Leaders in the Puerto Rican community often forget their own people and do not encourage education nor advocate for their fellow Puerto Ricans. Puerto Ricans have suffered discrimination, poverty and other social issues for no reason. They are American citizens and deserve to be treated as such and not forgotten.

In many instances, illegal immigrants are given priority over a Puerto Rican! This is absurd and a

complete betrayal to the Puerto Rican people and their status as citizens of the United States of America. Archbishop of San Juan, Roberto Gonzalez is under fire from Vatican officials for speaking a little more on Puerto Rican rights than he should; however, I don't blame him. Gonzalez was born in the States and probably knows well the hardships that his people have endured and still endure. To be a citizen, yet not be; is not something that lifts the morale of any people. For a Puerto Rican to be wrapped up in red tape when trying to get assistance or an opportunity to live the American dream while an illegal immigrant can easily get help is unfair.

Puerto Ricans have much to contribute to American society as a whole. Supreme court justice Sonia Sotomayor is an example of what a Puerto Rican can become if he/she is given equal treatment and not treated like a second class citizen while others who are not citizens are put ahead. The Puerto Rican people need a Dr. King figure who will bring about change and respect. It is disturbing to see Al Sharpton show his face when a controversial issue involves Puerto Ricans and no other Puerto Rican leader is present.

African Americans are not the only group who are harassed and profiled. Many times, when a Hispanic commits a crime, he is automatically labeled a Puerto Rican despite being Mexican, Dominican, Cuban or what not. Take Salsa singer Marc Anthony for example who was harassed for singing the anthem at the All Star game. In some instances, members of other groups purposely pretend to be Puerto Rican in order to fit in society or get opportunities. They have even stolen the identities of Puerto Ricans which forced Puerto Rico to reissue birth certificates. Only those who can distinguish between dialects, accents and body language can truly tell who is Puerto Rican and who is not. Shouting 'wepa' or dancing Salsa does not make one Puerto Rican.

Moreover, many Puerto Rican elected officials sell out their own people by adopting the "white man's" rhetoric. This rhetoric includes the Americanization of Puerto Ricans by forcing them to erase their cultural ties and become part of the American collective, so to speak. It also includes adopting liberal ideologies such as abortion, contraception, gay rights and other agendas that were never part of the Puerto Rican people's philosophy who value life, family and tradition. Being American doesn't mean one must forget where one came from, nor replace one's values and morals.

I hope the Puerto Rican people are treated better and that they wake up and demand respect. Their needs have to be met and put before that of others who clearly broke laws by entering our nation.

To my knowledge, the breaking of a law means one is a law-breaker or criminal. Why give preference to law-breakers when you have citizens here who are in need of many things and want to achieve the American dream without being discriminated against or assimilated into another ethnicity?

Monday, October 21, 2013

EWTN favorite and personality Father Pablo Straub of the Redemptorists order has passed on to the Lord after 44 years of priestly ministry. He died in Cancun, Mexico

Father Straub was born in May 1932 in East Rockaway, Long Island. He would enter the Redemptorist order at a young age and would be ordained in 1958. His first work as a priest was missionary ministry. He worked in Puerto Rico for 20 years, the Philippines, Peru and Mexico for another 20 years.

As part of this mission work, he also gave missions in the United States and produced many programs for EWTN. He is known for wearing his habit and carrying a large crucifix often cradling it as if it were an infant. He was a prolific speaker and knew how to get the attention of the people with his tone and body language.

Father Straub lit up the flame of faith in lapsed Catholics as well as active Catholics. He has also
brought in new converts thanks to the grace of God who used him to preach the good news of Christ Jesus.

Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey is known for his "in-your-face" attitude and refusal to budge on any of the issues he holds a solid opinion on. Well on one particular one, he broke his integrity as a leader.

After vetoing many bills promoting the legalization of so-called "gay marriage," Christie dropped his state appeal against a ruling given by Judge Mary Jacobson allowing gay couples to marry in New Jersey making it the 14th state to allow this atrocity. Christie's decision may be a surprise to some but not to those who are politically savvy.

Christie is up for reelection in the state and has a strong vocal opponent in Barbara Buono. She has called Christie on his views against so-called "same sex marriage" in an attempt to make herself the viable modern candidate that New Jersey needs. Christie is trying to get votes from everyone, even gays and liberals in a largely democratic state. By doing so, he has shown himself to be hypocritical, dishonest and lacking of integrity for changing his position along the way, so to speak.
Christie is a 2016 presidential contender and has disappointed many republicans as well as those who want marriage defended and protected. He has demonstrated himself to be the typical politician who lies to get elected and does not hold onto his values.

It is a sad time for New Jersey now and will be for America if this guy becomes president.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

In this my fourth installment of my "Atheism is STUPID" series of posts, I will focus on the "Prime Mover," "Unmoved Mover," or "Primum Movens."
The "Prime Mover" is an idea that originates from Aristotle. In this idea, Aristotle posits that there is a force or 'something/one' that moves everything in the universe, yet has no need to be started or moved.

Atheists who have hijacked Science in order to push the Atheism agenda counter these arguments by claiming that a God is not needed to 'move' the universe. 'There is no intelligence behind creation,' they often claim. Natural processes discovered using the scientific method are enough to disprove the notion of a 'mover' including the idea that this 'mover' is intelligent.

Is this really so? Has science killed God and Aristotle's views?

Atheists will say yes. They will argue till blue in the face claiming that science has wiped out the necessity for a God or 'prime mover.' Things in nature can be explain via the processes that allow them to exist and function in the universe. While the latter is true; we do know that nature is full of processes and for the most part, we can understand many of these processes to the detail; however, this does not mean there is no God, 'mover' or 'active intellect' behind it all. The device I am using to type this did not come together on its own despite being able to run processes without my constant input. It may run on its own, but this 'running' had a primal cause that moved it and continues it to move into functioning.

Energy is eternal. It cannot be created or destroyed in the current state that it exists in our universe, yet it came from somewhere. How is this possible? Well, physicists are still working on that. There are two major types of energy: potential energy and kinetic energy. Potential energy is stored energy that will have the 'potential' to move and become active. Kinetic energy is energy that is already active, or on the move. This energy allows for the many processes found in nature which allow for life. It allows for evolution to take place, for space to expand, and galaxies to form and so on.

Just because these processes exist and we can explain them does not mean that they did not originate from an active intellect that is the prime mover. Since energy exists in its current form in our universe, yet had an origin, this energy cannot be the prime mover. Since energy is not conscious, it cannot be the active intellect. The latter is the attribute of a being possessing personhood, not a thing or a place. This mover would be a conscious agent active and intelligent.

Some atheists may say, "nothing created the universe, it was just there and took hold; it has no need for a cause, mover or intellect behind its existence;" what do we say to this argument? Well if we are to believe that the universe just happened to create itself randomly using energy and other compounds that were already there, well the former would be called an unconscious agent. If the universe came about from a mover that possesses intellect, then this mover would be a conscious agent. So in reality, atheism merely makes the creator unconscious. This is one of the stupidities of atheism. The creating agent is the primal mover: Atheists believe it to be unconscious while Theists believe it to be conscious.

Atheism merely becomes a nonsensical contrarian position, rather than a rational one.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

I don't know if I am in America or Nazi Germany or Communist Russia...

According to news reports, Eric Holder does not think that priests contribute to the morale and well being of those in armed service. One of the consequences of the government shut down has been the furlough of chaplains of all faiths. Catholic priests make up about 8% of the chaplaincy and their services have been offered to the military since the military existed. Priests have been told not to offer religious rites to soldiers, nor enter their offices. If they do, they will be arrested. Ironically, mental health workers have been allowed to offer their services.

This is disturbing indeed. Many priests and ministers of other faiths have filed suit against the Obama administration for violation the first amendment. The fact that our government is harassing clergy is scary. The persecution is taking public hold in America. I hope priests keep strong and offer the Church's Sacraments even with the threat of arrest. This will send a strong message to Americans that the government is going too far in shredding the Constitution.

Friday, October 11, 2013

On October 4, 2013 just shortly after noon, a parent's nightmare became reality. A child has gone missing.

Young Avonte Oquendo, just fourteen years old left his Riverdale school in Queens without the staff even knowing. Oquendo has non-verbal autism which makes it difficult for him to communicate with others and for others to infer his introspection.

A week has passed so far and there has been no trace of young Oquendo. The family is worried and things seem to be grim. New York weather around this time is unpredictable. There are times it can be a summer like day and other times when it can be cold as winter. The fact that a young autistic kid that cannot talk is lost in this big city without shelter, food, or water is troubling and heartbreaking. I cannot imagine what his parents and family are going through.

Unfortunately, things like this happen far too often. The public school system has a poor employee training system that concerns more about job requirements than actual people. Teachers, school aids and others cannot intervene if a child is hurting him/herself. They must stand back and allow the child to injure him/herself. A normal response from a caring sane person would be to stop a child from hurting him/herself; however, this is not the case when one holds one of these positions. It is scary indeed. No attempt to stop a kid from slashing his/herself will done. This is of course based on union rules in order to protect employees from termination for using aggressive physical force or from being accused of inappropriate touching. Legalism puts aside common sense and caring. Industrial psychologists must find ways to balance laws, career requirements and human dignity.

Moreover, since the education system and unions concern themselves more with the issues surrounding employment and bureaucracy, not much concern is given to the safety of children. In light of this, kids like Avonte are not supervised and are left to go missing. No one is held accountable, and officials reply " no comment" to questions. Those charged with supervision are defended as "doing their job."

Some have criticized Oquendo's parents for filing a lawsuit, but I think this is a good way to bring out the message that our kids are first. We shouldn't put our jobs, laws, careers over the safety of children.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 2 John 1:7

News reports are circulating around that a new document claims that Jesus is an invention of the Roman empire in order to pacify its subjects. As expected, atheists are shouting "ah ha!"

Is this really so?

The idea comes from Joseph Atwill who is a self-professed American Biblical scholar. He says he will release the details of his discovery in his work "Covert Messiah" soon. Atwill says he wants people to know the "truth." He claims that 'alert citizens need to know the truth about our past so we can
understand how and why governments create false histories and false gods.' While this is not new, the story appeared last year; Richard Dawkins immediately forwarded it on twitter. Ignorant atheists who claim to value the ability to question, ironically do not question this news and blindly accept its contents.

Many Biblical scholars quickly came forward to describe Atwills' theory has nonsense and unfounded. Some of these scholars are even those who believe Jesus existed but that He was not Divine. Atwills claims a document from a Roman aristocrat says that the Romans invented Jesus in order to control rebels in Rome. You can read more of this in his site: http://www.covertmessiah.com/

Is Atwill right?

Absolutely not! His work can be considered the equivalent of September 11 conspiracy theories. Atwill is simply recycling the same rubbish that Jesus and other deities/figures have some similarities. He then concludes that this must mean that Jesus is made up.
Moreover, he adds a text written by a Roman aristocrat to somehow "prove" his theory. He completely ignores that there are extra-biblical texts supporting the fact that a man named Jesus Christ lived, performed miracles and died over 2000 years ago. Furthermore, these sources clearly depict that this man was worshiped as a God. See my debate with an atheist here:

He ignores the other sources proving Jesus existed which no scholar rejects. Even an atheist scholar named Michael Grant said that to claim Jesus is a myth is unfounded.

Atwill claims Jesus was invented in order to control rebels. Even if this were true, history shows that this did not work and did not happen. The Roman empire was eventually taken over by the Catholic Church. Moreover, how can inventing a male figure control rebels? This makes absolutely no sense.

Atwill also ignores the witness of early Christians who had nothing to do with Rome. They obviously encountered a person so powerful that they transformed their lives; many even died for the faith this man spread around.

He ignores that Simon Peter, the first Pope ordained Ignatias of Antioch and that an apostolic succession did occur at a point in time which continues even till today. The Church did not just appear out of nowhere for the heck of it. The Catholic Church is not a random anomaly in space and time. Obviously, something happened to trigger the formation of this huge religion. Ideas last when they provide fruit. It is clear that Christianity has such a strong substance in the past that it developed into the powerful force it is today. Only trees with deep strong roots have a strong foundation and grow strong without interruption.

Moreover, let's not forget the billions who encounter Christ even today.

Here are some quotes from scholars, many who are atheists or agnostics. They all testify to the truth that Jesus is real.

Bart Ehrman, "I don't think there's any serious historian who doubts the existence of Jesus …. We have more evidence for Jesus than we have for almost anybody from his time period. ….. We have one author who actually knew Jesus' relatives and knew his disciples - Paul."

Michael Grant:"[That Jesus was a myth] has again and again been answered and annihilated by first-rank scholars .... no serious scholar has ventured to postulate the non-historicity of Jesus."

Marcus Borg, Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University:"some judgments are so probable as to be certain; for example, Jesus really existed, and he really was crucified, just as Julius Caesar really existed and was assassinated. ….. We can in fact know as much about Jesus as we can about any figure in the ancient world."

James H. Charlesworth, Professor of New Testament Language and Literature. Princeton University:"Jesus did exist; and we know more about him than about almost any Palestinian Jew before 70 C.E." (Jesus Within Judaism) "No reputable scholar today questions that a Jew named Jesus son of Joseph lived; most readily admit that we know a considerable amount about his actions and his basic teachings" (Jesus and Archaeology, 2005)

Jeffery Jay Lowder:"I think that the New Testament does provide prima facie evidence for the historicity of Jesus. It is clear, then, that if we are going to apply to the New Testament the same sort of criteria as we should apply to other ancient writings containing historical material, we should not require independent confirmation of the New Testament's claim that Jesus existed."

Craig Evans: "Research in the historical Jesus has taken several positive steps in recent years. Archaeology, remarkable literary discoveries, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, and progress in reassessing the social, economic, and political setting of first-century Palestine have been major factors. .... the persistent trend in recent years is to see the Gospels as essentially reliable, especially when properly understood, and to view the historical Jesus in terms much closer to Christianity’s traditional understanding"

Tom Wright:"The historical evidence for Jesus himself is extraordinarily good. .... the evidence dovetails together with remarkable consistency, as I and many others have shown in works of very detailed historical scholarship. From time to time people try to suggest that Jesus of Nazareth never existed, but virtually all historians of whatever background now agree that he did, and most agree that he did and said a significant amount at least of what the four gospels say he did and said."

Professor Robert van Voorst ("Jesus Outside the New Testament", p14, 16)
"The theory of Jesus' nonexistence is now effectively dead as a scholarly question. …. Biblical scholars and classical historians now regard it as effectively refuted."

The verdict is in by over 99% of scholars: JESUS DID EXIST!

Christians have no need to be concerned with this guy's work. He is just trying to sell a book. I can write a book saying Thomas Pain did not exist and claim that because we don't have his body, I am correct in making this claim. This would be poor research and logic. Atwill is doing the same. He is repeating old refuted arguments and adding a text to them in order to infer that Jesus was an invention only because a Roman around that time period said so. This is called the False Cause fallacy.

It is a sad day in academia when any text can be used to formulate all kinds of theories. Imagine 2000 years from now, some scholar reads your best friend's journal where he/she speaks ill of you and that scholar then declares you a jerk only because of that best friend's journal entry.

Jesus Christ existed as living human being who performed miracles proving Him to be Divine; He still exists today and lives among us in the Blessed Sacrament. He also lives in the Word we read at Mass and at home in the Bible. He also lives in our hearts and knocks on the heart of even atheists. He is also in every person we encounter.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

A study done in Austria has demonstrated that over 80% of 21 "holy water springs" and "18 fonts" had high levels of microbes as well as fecal matter. The study was conducted by Vienna university.

Immediately, comedians like Bill Maher tweeted silly tweets mocking the study while giving his usual jab at religion. Other atheists began to use this study to attack Catholicism and religion in general claiming the study to show that "religion is full of sh..." These kinds of comments only show the ignorance behind atheism and how it fails to realize that holy water is not immune to natural processes or phenomenon.

Any water source, blessed or not will contract bacteria, algae and other substances when touched by hands or an external source. This is a no-brainer. The attempt to make this study into a "holy water doesn't work or is a source or infection" thing is silly. Anyone who critically analyzes the study will come to the conclusion that there is a big problem of personal hygiene in Austria. The water is NOT the problem. The problem comes from the people who are contaminating the water. Atheists who are using this study to attack the sacramental called 'holy water' are merely demonstrating a lack of critical thinking skills.

We all must wash our hands constantly and use purell or other antibacterial gels when out in public. This should be common sense. People should not drink holy water. The Church has no teaching stating that we should drink holy water. Holy Water is a sacramental, or holy reminders that are blessed and used to remind us of Christ and bring about pious actions. It is not spring water to drink, nor medicine. Sacristans in parishes should make sure to wash fonts regularly and replace the holy water often.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Today is the feast day of the Angels. Angels can be found in many religions throughout human history. They are often described as spirits or beings with wings. These creatures have superior capabilities to that of human beings but are still capable of falling into sin.

Angels are mentioned throughout the Bible over 250 times. The word 'Angel' comes from the Hebrewk 'malak' which means messenger. In the Bible, they usually serve as protectors, guides and messengers ushering in important events.

Angels have free will, intellect, but no bodies.(Psalm 104:4, CCC 311) Angels cannot become human and humans cannot become angels. Both creatures are distinct species within God's creation. Every human being is assigned a guardian angel who is charged to guide and protect. (Psalm 91:12)
Angels existed prior to the creation of the universe and the human race. (Job 38:1-7) They praise God for all eternity before His throne in Heaven. (Revelation 4:8)

The Church has taught that there are nine choirs of angels:

Seraphim

Cherubim

Thrones

Dominions

Virtues

Powers

Principalities

Archangels

Angels

Devotion to the Angels took hold during the birth of monasticism. St Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Benedict promoted devotion to the Angels.

Here is what the catechism states regarding Angels:

I. THE ANGELS

The existence of angels - a truth of faith

328 The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls "angels" is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition.

Who are they?

329 St. Augustine says: "'Angel' is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is 'spirit'; if you seek the name of their office, it is 'angel': from what they are, 'spirit', from what they do, 'angel.'"188 With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they "always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven" they are the "mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word".189

330 As purely spiritual creatures angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.190

Christ "with all his angels"

331 Christ is the center of the angelic world. They are his angels: "When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him. . "191 They belong to him because they were created through and for him: "for in him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities - all things were created through him and for him."192 They belong to him still more because he has made them messengers of his saving plan: "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?"193

332 Angels have been present since creation and throughout the history of salvation, announcing this salvation from afar or near and serving the accomplishment of the divine plan: they closed the earthly paradise; protected Lot; saved Hagar and her child; stayed Abraham's hand; communicated the law by their ministry; led the People of God; announced births and callings; and assisted the prophets, just to cite a few examples.194 Finally, the angel Gabriel announced the birth of the Precursor and that of Jesus himself.195

333 From the Incarnation to the Ascension, the life of the Word incarnate is surrounded by the adoration and service of angels. When God "brings the firstborn into the world, he says: 'Let all God's angels worship him.'"196 Their song of praise at the birth of Christ has not ceased resounding in the Church's praise: "Glory to God in the highest!"197 They protect Jesus in his infancy, serve him in the desert, strengthen him in his agony in the garden, when he could have been saved by them from the hands of his enemies as Israel had been.198 Again, it is the angels who "evangelize" by proclaiming the Good News of Christ's Incarnation and Resurrection.199 They will be present at Christ's return, which they will announce, to serve at his judgment.200

The angels in the life of the Church

334 In the meantime, the whole life of the Church benefits from the mysterious and powerful help of angels.201

335 In her liturgy, the Church joins with the angels to adore the thrice-holy God. She invokes their assistance (in the funeral liturgy's In Paradisum deducant te angeli. . .["May the angels lead you into Paradise. . ."]). Moreover, in the "Cherubic Hymn" of the Byzantine Liturgy, she celebrates the memory of certain angels more particularly (St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, and the guardian angels).

336 From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession.202 "Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life."203 Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Today is the feast day of one of the greatest Doctors of the Church, St Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. She wrote her own autobiography entitled, "Story of a Soul."

St. Therese was born Marie Francoise Martin in Alencon, France on January 2, 1873. She was one of nine children born of Louis and Zelie Martin. Due to the poor medicine at the time, four of the children passed away. Her old sisters, Marie, Pauline, and Celine entered the Carmelite order in Lisieux. Therese would later follow in their steps and become a Carmelite herself.

In 1883, Therese is said to have been cured by the Blessed Virgin Mary after she suffered from an unknown illness. It is during this time that she describes receiving the grace of conversion. She felt the need to focus on others instead of herself. Because of this, Therese wanted earnestly to enter the convent. However, the law did not allow for her to enter at the age of fifteen. She was so determined that she asked Pope Leo XII himself to enter the order of Carmel.

Therese felt called to be a missionary and to save souls while praying for priests. She received permission to enter the convent at an young age and become a Carmelite. For some time, she found religious life a bit difficult. There was a particular sister who gave her a hard time. Nevertheless, she did not give up and persevered. Therese lived a life of silence, prayer and work. She took everything as a blessing from God and even became pen pals with a seminarian named Maurice. Both would build a great friendship via ink.

Therese would later contract tuberculosis in 1896 and suffered greatly because of it. During this time she face doubts and even was atheistic for a time. She doubted if God really existed, if heaven existed and if she had wasted her life in religious life. She died on September 30, 1897 and was canonized in 1925. Her journal sold out worldwide a year after her death. Her way of being is described as the "Little Way." She believed in doing small things for Christ and that Christ wants us to be like children trusting and hopeful. Her body lays in state and is incorrupt.

She is a very popular saint today and promised to spend her heaven doing good on earth. When God grants favors via her intercession to Christ, a rose often appears.

Today the government of the United States of America has shut down. This may sound good - no government - but unfortunately, some people will not get the assistance they need and other consequences will follow. More to come...

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